Funding for 15 EV projects

Fifteen projects to increase EV charging facilities and switch more trucks, buses and vans to electric have had funding announced by energy and resources minister Judith Collins.

The projects are covered under the Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund, administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

The projects have been conditionally approved under the second funding round to receive $3 million, says Collins who also announced the opening of the next $3 million round, with applications closing September 27.

“The projects we announced today show there’s an electric vehicle for almost every job, be it rental cars, waste trucks or courier vans,” Collins says. “These options make more sense because of how cheap electric vehicles are to run and maintain and how easy they are to charge.”

Collins says nearly $1 million is being invested in charging infrastructure with projects on key tourism routes including Christchurch to Picton (alternative route to quake damaged SH1), Dunedin to Queenstown, and Queenstown to Invercargill. The three examples are through ChargeNet NZ, with the NZ Transport Agency identifying them as critical arterial routes performing a lifeline function.

“Also in the mix are exciting developments such as installing street charging for Wellington residents who don’t have a driveway or garage, and chargers that give buses a boost as they stop for passengers.”

She says the projects will add further momentum to New Zealand’s switch to EVs.

The fund is one of 14 initiatives in the government’s EV programme, aiming to double the numbers of EVs annually to reach 64,000 by the end of 2021.

Projects from the first round of funding are underway, with some charging stations already in public use, Green Cabs offering free EV taxi rides, and Foodstuffs supermarkets delivering groceries in electric vans.

Collins says the fund’s first two rounds are about high visibility projects to get the EV story known.

“For the next round we are looking for projects that can be replicated across the country. We want to see projects that support practical, sustainable ways to increase uptake particularly in the light fleet market, close gaps in charging infrastructure and demonstrate the uses of heavy electric vehicles across the economy.”

Up to half the money for projects is offered through the fund, and applicants must match or exceed the amounts granted.

Visit eeca.govt.nz/funding-and-support/electric-vehicles-programme

for funding details and electricvehicles.govt.nz

for general EV information.